New Jersey Democrat Rep. Donald Payne Jr. has died at the age of 65.
Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and since then was in a coma intubated at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, according to the New Jersey Globe.
He had struggled with health issues in the past such as diabetes and liver problems that required regular dialysis procedures.
Over 18 days after his heart attack, the Democrat passed away.
GOP Speaker Mike Johnson said that he was ‘saddened’ to learn about Payne’s passing.
‘Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children,’ he continued.
His sudden death further complicates the closely-divided balance of power in the House of Representatives where Republicans have a slim one-vote majority.
Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., was reportedly in a coma since suffering a heart attack on April 6
Payne had represented New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012
As it stands after Payne’s passing, there are 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats and five vacancies in the House.
This means if three Republicans vote with Democrats the vote would be 215 – 215, and a tie results in a loss for any measure. So they could now afford to lose two GOP votes to pass party-line legislation.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy posted on X that he and his wife ‘are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.’
‘Our heartfelt prayers are with his family during this difficult time.’
Payne was a five-term Democrat who was first elected in 2012 after the passing of his father Donald Payne Sr.
The older Payne held the same seat as his son from 1989 until his death in 2012.
Donald Payne Sr. also passed away while in office.
Last week, his office said that Payne was on the mend after suffering a heart attack in early April.
Payne represented one of the most Democratic districts in the country, initially winning his 2012 election with over 87 percent of the vote
Late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. stands with his family for a ceremonial photo with former Speaker of the House John Boehner during his 2013 swearing-in ceremony
A spokesperson for his office said in an April 17 statement, ‘Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes last week.’
The statement continued that Payne was ‘in stable condition at a local hospital and continues to be under doctor’s care.’
Payne’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.
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